Viewers of the award show saw firsthand when Nicki checked the VMA host for talking grimy about her during a New York Times interview, but many weren’t sure if the shade was staged or not.

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Today an MTV spokesperson has confirmed to MTV News that the incident was not scripted or anticipated in any way. MTV journalists in the crowd and backstage at the event have reported similar facts. Eeeek.

So it looks like the feud between the two is no joking matter, after all. Miley doesn’t know what she got herself into.